Pioneer High

Course Code: SF162Y

Grade: 11-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: Intermediate Piano

Course Description: Advanced Piano is the third level of piano instruction. Students will continue their development of piano skills through daily practice and study of songs both in the method book as well as supplementary performance material. Students will develop technique through the use of scale studies and chord progressions. Students will continue their study of music theory as it supports their understanding of repertoire. Students will demonstrate growth and mastery through regular repertoire testing as well as participating in one performance per semester.

Course Code: SF190Y

Grade: 12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS

Prerequisite: High performance level on an instrument or voice and instructor’s approval.

Course Description: The AP Music Theory course is intended for highly motivated musicians who are interested in the study of music, musical applications in voice or instrument, history, appreciation, and composition. The students will be engaged in the creative process, analysis, and criticism of music of the 18th century however expanding to include the Renaissance through the 21st century. The course will provide the information and technical assistance to produce an original, copyrightable composition of high quality in the 18th century style. Students are encouraged to take the AP examination. The exam is given at the end of the year and may be granted college or university credit by the College Board.

Course Code: SF175Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS  

Course Description: This introductory Mariachi course is designed to enable students to develop their musicianship skills through the ­­­­study of mariachi music and performance. Students are introduced to fundamental concepts of music notation and musical terminology. The course will demand technical proficiency and esthetic sensitivity on a primary mariachi instrument as well as rudimentary vocal technique with an emphasis on style. This rigorous course will explore Mexico’s traditional regional repertoire and styles including Ranchera, Bolero, Ranchera Valseada, Ranchera Polkeada, Ranchera Lenta and Vals. Students are expected to publicly perform at the high school in order to build performance proficiency. The method book, Mariachi Mastery by Dr. Jeff Nevin will serve as the basis for the curriculum.

Course Code: SF160Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS  ⬛ WHS    

Course Description: This is a course offered to students with no prior piano experience. Emphasis will be on note reading, chords, simplified major scales, playing familiar songs and developing proper hand structure and technique. This course will be graded, can be repeated and is intended to be a low stress and supportive addition to other music courses.

Course Code: SF112Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: Audition and/or teacher recommendation 

Course Description: The Chamber Singers ensemble is the most advanced choral group. Students will study music primarily written for a cappella groups although accompanied music will be performed as well. Students will be encouraged to explore solo works for audition in regional and statewide honor ensembles. Concerts are given throughout the year in the greater Woodland and Sacramento areas, including choral festivals. During designated years, the group will undertake a major tour. Performance attendance is required.

Course Code: SF110Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Course Description: This course offers the students an opportunity to develop musical skills and to broaden their musical experience through rehearsal, performance, in class instruction and coursework on music fundamentals. This is a co-curricular performance class in which students are expected to participate in events outside of the regular school day; such as concerts and music festivals. As a beginning course, the curriculum is designed to introduce students to fundamental music concepts necessary for choral singing as well as prepare them for continued choral study in Concert Choir and Chamber Singers.

Course Code: SF120Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: Recommendation by Middle School Instructor, or by audition and/or teacher recommendation.

Course Description: Concert band is the introductory music ensemble for high school students.  It bridges the gap between middle and high schools.  Concert Band is to provide students with an introductory/expanded set of experiences for aesthetic discovery, recognition and appreciation in an ensemble performance setting.  Concert Band is also designed to promote development in critical thinking/problem-solving skills, aural training, and technical/motor skills.

Course Code: SF111Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: One year of Choir, and/or teacher recommendation and audition.

Course Description: This course offers the students an opportunity to continue to develop the musical skills introduced in Beginning Choir and broaden their musical experience through rehearsal, performance, in class instruction and coursework on music fundamentals. This is a co-curricular performance class in which students are expected to participate in events outside of the regular school day; such as concerts and music festivals. The curriculum is designed to build on concepts studied in Beginning Choir, building fluency in music sight reading, increasing depth of knowledge of music theory as it pertains to choral music, and continuing to develop understanding of optimal vocal technique through the study of increasingly rigorous and challenging choral literature.

Course Code: SF132Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: Jazz Ensemble and audition

Course Description: Honors Jazz Ensemble is an advanced year long course in jazz studies open to grades 10-12.  Students must be able to play their instruments with proficient skills and expect to practice an extra 2-4 hours per week on a log.  Instruments allowed in the course will be consistent with jazz instrumentation.  The music will consist of grade level appropriate jazz music for different genres.  Students will be advancing in music notation, rhythms, articulations, interpretation and work on more advanced studies in improvisation and develop more sophisticated skills and to analyze and understand the harmonic structure of the music that is played.  The jazz band will perform on many occasions for the general public, both on and off campus, and at competitive music festivals around the state.  Attendance at performances is a mandatory class requirement.

Course Code: SF134Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: Wind Ensemble and audition

Course Description: Honors Wind Ensemble is the most advanced of the music ensembles offered in Woodland Joint Unified School District and is designed for the student who is a highly competent performer.  The students are challenged by music of the highest caliber, requiring a more sophisticated understanding of complex rhythms, all key signatures, musical terminology, ensemble skills, and extra effort on the part of the students.  Through an increased expectation of focus and rigor, students will strive toward musical excellence, preparing them to pursue music at the collegiate level.  Students will be expected to connect and apply what is learned in music to learning in other art forms, subject areas and careers.

Course Code: SF161Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: Beginning Piano or instructor’s recommendation and audition.

Course Description: This is a course offered to students who have successfully completed the beginning piano course with a passing grade of C or above.  Emphasis will be on note reading, rhythms, chords, simplified major scales, music theory, playing familiar songs and developing proper hand structure and technique.  This course will be graded, can be repeated and is intended to be a supportive addition to other music courses on campus.  This is also a course for potential music majors to advance developing skills for piano proficiency in college.  Students will give 2 recitals during each semester.

Course Code: SF176Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Prerequisite: Beginning Mariachi Ensemble

Course Description: This intermediate Mariachi course is designed to further enable students to develop their musicianship skills through the study of mariachi music, literature and performance. Students continue to build fundamental concepts of music notation and musical terminology with regards to mariachi literature. The course will demand technical proficiency and esthetic sensitivity on a primary or secondary mariachi instrument as well as rudimentary vocal technique with an emphasis on style. This rigorous course will explore Mexico’s more musically demanding traditional repertoire and styles including Son Jalisciense, Son Jarocho, Huapango, Jarabe and Bolero. Students are expected to publicly perform at the high school and within the community in order to engage in community and team building opportunities. The method book, Mariachi Mastery by Dr. Jeff Nevin will serve as the basis for curriculum.

Course Code: SF140Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Course Description: The guitar course is offered to all students regardless of experience, including those students without previous knowledge in guitar. The course is primarily focused on the reading of traditional notation and not tablature. Weekly playing exams keep the students on a personal and progressive pace, that does not force students to compete with each other for academic success. Time is set aside each week for practice. All students are encouraged to bring their own acoustic guitars, however if a guitar is needed to participate, then a guitar will be provided for students use. This course may be repeated for credit and fulfills the Fine Arts requirement for graduation.

Course Code: SF130Y

Grade: 11-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS

Prerequisite: Two years of either Concert or Symphonic Band, instructor approval and/or audition.

Course Description: The Jazz Ensemble is an advanced performing ensemble (with limited enrollment) that explores different sub-genres and styles through performance. Students will focus on the “Big Band” concept with the instrumentation that includes saxophones, trumpets, trombones and a rhythm section of piano, bass, drums and guitar. Students will participate in concerts, festivals, and public performances as a requirement for successful completion of the class. Occasionally, the students in this ensemble will participate with other advanced ensembles on tour. The course will give students foundations and experience in the genre of Jazz. Performance attendance is required.

Course Code: SF151T

Grade: 11-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS

Course Description:

This is a self-designed program. Students wishing to study independently should make plans well in advance. Independent Study is available only by special arrangement with the instructor in the department. Students should meet with the instructor before or at the beginning of the semester to design the program and get it approved in writing by the instructor and the department chairperson. This cannot be done at any other time. Space is VERY limited.

Course Code: SF220Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or higher in Theatre Arts A/B or teacher’s permission.

Course Description: The Play Production class is an advanced Theatre Arts class that is responsible for producing all the High School major productions. The students in Play Productions will make up the cast and crew of the shows. Students will learn all aspects of production including lighting, sound, set construction and design, costumes, props, advertising and stage management. Students are required to do fundraising and to participate in after school hours acting or crewing for the productions. Class attendance is mandatory. Students will get the full theatrical experience and be encouraged to further develop their skills.

Course Code: SF171Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Course Description: Strings I is an entry level course for students wishing to learn a string instrument (e.g., violin, viola, cello or bass). This course is a prerequisite for Strings II, String Orchestra or Mariachi Band.

Course Code: SF172Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS   

Prerequisite: Grade of “C” or higher in Strings 1 or teacher’s permission.

Course Description: The Strings II course is the continuation of Strings I, where music students develop advanced skills in violin, viola, cello and bass. The course feeds into String Orchestra and/or Mariachi Band. Students will be exposed to the literal instruction of music for intermediate and advanced strings.

Course Code: SF123Y

Grade: 11-12

⬛ PHS   ⬜ WHS 

Course Description: Students will take work done in Strings I or Concert Band and have the opportunity to prepare and perform music from the Great Masters of the Orchestral Repertoire. This course will allow for more variety in what the district currently offers for instrumentalists in our programs. Students will have the opportunity to learn the instruments of the string family to include violin, viola, cello and string bass. Wind players will have had previous experience from our district band programs. Outside concert attendance will be required.

Course Code: SF121Y

Grade: 10-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS   

Prerequisite: One year of Concert Band, or Instructor’s recommendation.

Course Description: Symphonic Band is the second music ensemble for high school students in WJUSD.  It bridges the gap between concert band and wind ensemble.  Symphonic Band is to provide students with an expanded set of experiences for aesthetic discovery from concert band, recognition and appreciation in an ensemble performance setting.  Symphonic Band is also designed to promote development in critical thinking/problem-solving skills, aural training, and technical/motor skills.

Course Code: SF210Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS    

Course Description: Theatre Arts is designed to give students an opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in acting and to explore the elements in theatrical production. Students will study and perform acting exercises such as pantomime, voice, improvisation, motivation, characterization, scenes, and monologues. Students will create their own scenes, as well as study classic works. Students are required to participate in the Theatre experience outside of class by attending plays and getting hands-on experience by doing behind the scenes work for productions. Students will finish the year with a general overview of theater arts and with performance experience.

Course Code: SF113Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS    ⬜ WHS  

Prerequisite: Previous choral experience or by  consent of the director.

Course Description: Students will develop basic vocal pedagogy along with application of vocal jazz styles. Dance is a regular element of this class. Concert in school and local community events, mini tours, field trips are required. This will be a graded course.

Course Code: SF122Y

Grade: 9-12

⬛ PHS   ⬛ WHS   

Prerequisite: Instructor’s recommendation and audition.

Course Description: In this summative course, students will be performing high school and collegiate literature appropriate for college entrance auditions. Students will sometimes have full rehearsals and several times use small group, or sectional time to achieve music fluency. Additionally, students will perform at festivals in California as they work towards creating higher level skills and critical thinking skills in college preparation.